The Russian Scientific Research Institute Signal (VNII Signal) disclosed at last week’s ARMY-2020 a man-portable automated artillery fire control system being titled Planshet-A.
The brain of the system is a lap-top size computer using the Russian national elementary base. The computer itself can be placed in the breast pocket of the military field uniform. The batteries and charges can be carried and transported in the attaché-case size boxes.
Planshet-A is intended to optimize the artillery fire to diminish the time for preparation and extend precision and mission performance for any type of self-propelled and towered artillery including howitzers, mortars and MLRS. The Planshet system includes several computers and means of communication being distributed among the battery/ battalion commanders and their sub-units including platoons and separate guns/vehicles.
Communications between computers are provided by the light radio station of 6th generation on distances of up to 7 km.
VNII Signal claims that the time of Planshet system deployment at unprepared firing battery position, the battery/battalion command post will not exceed from 6 to 9 minutes respectively. The commanding officer is able to receive his position coordinates within 2 minutes. The system allows to record all necessary data for firing for at least 72 hours including 10 hours with the use of batteries only.
The system can obtain data from upper head-quarters, UAVs and GPS and can be also connected with the AMK-01 automated meteorology-ballistic complex.
The system is to come in regular service with the Russian Army by the end of 2020 and will be ready for export from early 2021.
VNII Signal is based in the city of Kovrov, Vladimir region and is a subsidiary to the High Precision Weapons Holding (HPW). The HPW other enterprises include the Tula-based Shipunov KBP Design Bureau, Kolomna-based KBM Design Bureau, Kurgan machine building plant (Kurganmashzavod) and Degtyarev plant among the many.
The HPW is responsible for electronic system for tri-service application to equip in particular Russia’s best-sellers like Pantsir SHORADs, Kornet ATGW, BMP family IFV, MSTA, SMERCH MRLS, etc.
